For Release: November 6, 2015

We have a new Web page that compiles information about secondary containers and service containers and addresses frequently asked questions. Secondary and service containers are used by the pesticide industry as part of the process of applying pesticides. For example, many pesticide products used by applicators come in a concentrated form and must be diluted for use. The secondary container might be used to hold the diluted pesticide. In other cases, an applicator may want a smaller service container (to be filled from the large container) for ease of use. Neither type of container may be used for distribution or sale. While containers used in this way are not required to be labeled, EPA’s recommendations for labeling are intended to help ensure the safe use of pesticides.

This webpage combines and replaces information previously found on the Labeling Questions and Answers page and in the Label Review Manual. This is not new guidance, but the EPA hopes this new resource will make information on secondary and service containers easier to find and will lead to improved handling of these containers.

The Web page is designed to help pesticide registrants and applicators:

• understand EPA’s definition of secondary and service containers;
• learn about EPA’s recommendations for good management practices when labeling secondary and service containers; and,
• learn how to properly identify the contents of a secondary or service container, including when the pesticide is diluted.

This new Web page can be found at: www2.epa.gov/pesticide-labels/secondary-containers-and-service-containers-pesticides.